When it comes to skin rejuvenation, many associate significant downtown with most procedures. Not so with micro-channeling. This procedure is becoming very popular based on excellent results, and the ability to return to normal activities quickly.
How it works:
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is different than micro-channeling. The procedure is a more aggressive treatment where tiny, sterile needles penetrate the skin more deeply to purposefully cause trauma. The trauma prompts the deeper layer of the skin, the derma, to rebuild collagen.
Collagen keeps our skin taut and youthful, but as we age, we lose collagen, which leads to wrinkles and the loss of firmness. Collagen makes up 30% of the protein in our body, 70% in our skin, and is a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein
While Microneedling causes trauma to stimulate collagen production, micro-channeling is a less aggressive approach for the treatment of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, age spots, and acne scars. Tiny needles create more controlled micro-injuries, which helps the production of collagen and elastin. The uniform micro-channels are surrounded by healthy tissue, which enhances the healing process, and the inflammatory response to the micro-channel initiates the new collagen production. When adding PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), healing is expedited, with additional benefits.
PRP has been used in many medical fields for its wound healing abilities. Benefits have been seen in patients with arthritis, those with tendonitis symptoms, plantar fasciitis, bulging disks, and even as a treatment for hair loss. In micro-channeling, your blood is drawn, then placed in a centrifuge where the blood is spun to release various growth factors from platelets. After the micro-channeling procedure is complete, the PRP is applied topically to the treated area.
In recent studies, PRP for facial rejuvenation showed positive aesthetic outcomes. All fourteen studies showed improvement in the volume, texture and tone of the facial skin, as well as a decrease in facial wrinkles.
Most healing is internal, and any side effects will not be prolonged. Your skin should appear and feel refreshed within 24 hours, but tone and texture will continue to improve. For the best benefits, 3-4 micro-channeling sessions with PRP are recommended spaced out between 4-6 weeks. Continued on-going maintenance can be conducted with longer intervals in-between after the initial treatments.
While excellent for the face, consider micro-channeling for the hands, neck, decollete, and for other parts of the body with crepey skin, stretch marks, and scarring.
With so many benefits, micro-channeling is an excellent alternative to highly invasive procedures. You will love your results!
Have you tried micro-channeling? Any questions? Send them my way!